Have you ever wondered what it would be like to skip the time-consuming process of hand dishwashing while out camping? Are you sick of dining on paper plates? Believe it or not, there’s a solution — RV dishwashers are available, and they actually work quite well!
These days, there are a wide variety of dishwashers that are easy to install and fit many recreational vehicles. These include countertop models, claim line models, and even dishwasher drawers. This article will help you discover the right RV dishwasher for your rig.
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Compact Dishwasher Options
There are three basic types of RV dishwashers to choose from, and each one has its own pros and cons:
The Countertop Dishwasher
The countertop dishwasher is great for RVers because it’s tiny. That said, its tiny size can also be considered a hindrance if you plan to wash a lot of dishes or if you like to wash bulky items (such as pots and pans) in the dishwasher.
As the name suggests, this particular appliance sits on the countertop. It can be quickly and easily hooked up to a sink for access to water and a drain. Unfortunately, moving the heavy dishwasher is not quite as easy. You’ll either need some serious muscles before and after every use, or you’ll have to give up some of your RVs counter space permanently.
The Compact or Slimline Dishwasher
Small, but not quite as small as the countertop dishwasher, a compact dishwasher is often a great solution. This appliance is very similar to a traditional dishwasher but is much smaller in size.
It does consume quite a bit of water, but people who camp with full hookups may not mind this. The other thing to keep in mind is that these kinds of units almost always require professional installation, especially in tight kitchen spaces.
The RV Dishwasher Drawer
A “drawer” is a trendy, space-saving appliance featured in many of the new, higher-end recreational vehicles. Dishwasher drawers are wonderful because they use a limited amount of water, saving you precious water as well as tank space while camping without hookups. Besides all that, they also hold a surprising number of dishes.
Still, no appliance is perfect, and this one has its faults. For one thing, it is quite a bit bigger than some of the other options out there. Additionally, not every RV has the connections needed for a drawer dishwasher.
Consider Your Usage
- How often will you use an RV dishwasher?
- Will you wash pots and pans in it?
- Do you need room for multiple place settings?
- Are you concerned with counter space or water usage?
- Do you want to air dry or heat dry your plates?
- Will you be washing china or glassware?
Having a clear understanding of when and how often you will use a dishwasher will help you choose the right one. There are several things to consider when choosing an RV dishwasher, including size, location, and water consumption. RV dishwashers fall into three categories — countertop, compact, and the popular RV dishwasher drawer. Now, let’s consider each style to find the best fit for your personal RV.
Other Considerations
- Power and water consumption – An RV dishwasher uses power and water every time you run it. This means you must have enough water in your source tank and enough waste space in your gray tank. If you plan to boondock or dry camp, a dishwasher may eat a lot of off-the-grid power.
- Winterization – If you plan to store your RV in the winter, prepare your dishwasher just like any other water-consuming unit in your vehicle. Dishwashers can freeze if water is left in them.
- Installation – Lastly, you should always talk to an installer before you buy any RV dishwasher unit. And when making your final purchase, be sure to do your research and read reviews from people who currently own the same model.
Where To Buy Your RV Dishwasher
There are a variety of places you can purchase an RV dishwasher, both online and in-store. The most popular model is the Vesta RV Dishwasher, which offers both drawer and countertop models. Camping World sells the Vesta RV Dishwasher and offers installation for a fee.
Amazon and eBay also sell a variety of RV dishwashers, but be sure to read the reviews and return policies before buying.
When your RV Dishwasher is Out of Commission
Maybe an RV dishwasher is not in your immediate future. Perhaps your dishwasher is broken or can’t be used due to a lack of RV hookups. In any of these cases, you can use these tips and tricks to make dealing with dirty dishes in a small kitchen space a little easier.
1. Label your cups and glasses and reuse them throughout the day.
2. Use disposable utensils whenever possible. Wooden utensils are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic cutlery.
3. Avoiding paper plates? Consider using Corelle dishware. Corelle is almost unbreakable and its slick surface makes it easy to clean.
4. Spray your pots, pans, and plates with a bit of water and Dawn dishwashing soap. Dawn will begin breaking down the grease allowing for a quick and easy clean-up later on.
5. Purchase wax paper liners (the kind used at burger joints) and use them under toast, burgers and sandwiches. They are quick and easy to use, not to mention affordable.
Clearly, washing dishes on the road doesn’t have to take up your beloved vacation time — you may find that a dishwasher is a game-changer for your next road trip! To make things even easier, consider buying a clothes washer as well!
